Rijo Sam Daniel
Paul Pogba among Manchester United players told to defer future stance until new manager arrives
According to ESPN, Manchester United have asked wantaway players such as Paul Pogba not to decide on their future until a new manager is appointed at Old Trafford. Ralf Rangnick is at the helm only on an interim basis, even though there is a chance that he could continue for another year.
Man United football director John Murtough has suggested the same to Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial as well. Both of them have been loaned out to Everton and Sevilla respectively for the rest of the season in the January transfer window. They have struggled to gain minutes at Man United this season but their long-term future isn’t quite decided yet.
Pogba, on the other hand, will become a free agent next summer and has rejected offers to renew his current deal. He has attracted interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain for a potential move in the future. The Red Devils are hopeful that the new manager can convince him to stay with them past this campaign.
Makes sense for Man United
There is always the possibility that the new permanent manager, if United do look past Rangnick, could count on the services of the Man United trio. As such, it was wise on Murtough’s part to suggest waiting for the new gaffer before taking a decision. However, it is still unknown whether they would pay heed to the request.
Since Van de Beek and Martial are open-minded about their futures with us, it remains to be seen how they react to the advice. However, the 28-year-old Pogba is the obvious concern as we do not have any idea about what his plans are for next season. Time will tell whether he does decide to wait for a new manager or jump ship before that.
Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag are named on a five-man shortlist and so, it is clear we are searching amongst the cream of the crop in Europe for Rangnick’s potential replacement. But now that United have asked the wantaway players to await the club’s decision on a new manager, they really have to deliver on that front.
Let’s hope that by the end of this season, all three players will be in their best form to make their cases to the next coach. At the same time, the hierarchy themselves have to make sure that the new manager is someone who is worth staying put for.
Man United are a footballing giant and no matter who we appoint, we would still be a global club capable of attracting the best of talents. The prospect of representing our badge is a reason alone for many aspiring footballers to want to play for us.
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But it would be unwise to completely discard van de Beek and Martial’s situation. Both are arguably at the start of their peak physical years as footballers and would certainly want game time to keep making their national team’s squad as well.
It would be a shame if the duo decides to stay and the new boss, if any, also doesn’t show faith in them. It remains to be seen what happens in that regard, but for now, we can only wish them the best of luck as they try and reignite their careers on their respective loan spells.
